COMMUNITY HISTORY: Sentinel-Standard back in the day, Aug. 25-27, 1889

Friday

Aug 23, 2013 at 7:57 PM

These are bits of news from the Ionia Daily Sentinel in 1889, when the editor was James H. Kidd.

Linda CiangiSpecial to the Ionia Sentinel-Standard

These are bits of news from the Ionia Daily Sentinel in 1889, when the editor was James H. Kidd.

Aug. 25, 1889Arthur Town was taken to Portland this morning by Deputy Sheriff Sandborn of that place, to answer a charge of larceny of a watch chain.

Town was brought here from Muir on Saturday by Deputy Sheriff Derrick, from whom he escaped once and was recaptured after a chase through the river twice. The second time Town drew a revolver and threatened to shoot Derrick, but did not deter him from continuing the pursuit successfully. Town was brought back to this jail this afternoon, the case being adjourned.

The Williams Manufacturing Company has been shipping a fine lot of work to Hamilton, Ohio, this season. On Saturday they shipped a car-load of doors, sash, blinds and inside finish, in Queen Anne-style, to James Kennedy of Hamilton. The doors were all veneered with cherry, oak and butternut, and gotten up in the most improved style and could not be beat in the state.

Aug. 27, 1889"Al" Boardman, brakeman on the D.L. & N. Railroad, was knocked or fell off the top of the freight train on which he was braking, at Portland this forenoon, and quite seriously injured about the head. He was brought back on the passenger and taken to his home on West Washington Street where he was attended by Dr. Allen. The latter found some lesions and abrasions about the head, but thinks no bones were broken, and no internal injuries, and thinks the injuries are not serious. The supposition is that Boardman may have been partially overcome by the heat, as the sun was extremely hot, and falling, struck his head on the platform, causing the injuries. It was a narrow escape.

Jackson, Aug. 27. (Special). Everybody who has knowledge of the plot to blow up the state prison here with dynamite is keeping closed-mouthed today. It is rumored that Latimer, the matricide, has confessed to leadership of the scheme. Warden Hatch hopes to capture outside accomplices. The scheme has been on foot for a year. The way the scheme was detected was this: a lumper (one who loads and unloads ships) was found on the north wall Friday morning picking up a package. It was searched and found to contain dynamite and it is believed that the lumper confessed. The warden is satisfied that he has the scheme reason down, but asked not to have the matter made public for a few days.

To learn more about the Ionia County Historical Society or to share your own stories or memories, contact Ciangi at 616-527-4945.